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This article includes a list of references, related reading or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. Please improve this article by introducing more precise citations where appropriate. (June 2008) |
| Sprained ankle | |
|---|---|
| Classification and external resources | |
 Lateral view of the human ankle |
|
| ICD-10 | S93.4 |
| ICD-9 | 845.00 |
| DiseasesDB | 726 |
| MedlinePlus | 003167 |
| eMedicine | topic list |
A sprained ankle, also known as an ankle sprain, twisted ankle, rolled ankle, ankle injury or ankle ligament injury, is a common medical condition where one or more of the ligaments of the ankle is torn or partially torn. The anterior talofibular ligament is one of the most commonly involved ligaments. Sprains to the lateral aspect of the ankle account for 85% of ankle sprains.
Contents |
Classification
Ankle sprains are classified as grade 1, 2, and 3.[1]
Diagnosis
It is important to either rule out a fracture clinically or radiologically.
A sudden movement or twist often when the foot rolls in can overstretch the supporting ligaments, causing ligament tears and bleeding around the joint. This is known as a sprain. This type of injury occurs most frequently in activities that require running, skipping, jumping and change of direction (such as basketball, netball, football/soccer). Some people are particularly prone to recurring ankle sprains.
Treatment
Conservative measures
Acutely rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) is often recommended.
Ice can help reduce swelling in cycles of 10–15 minutes on and 10–15 minutes off. Icing an ankle too long may cause cold injuries.[citation needed]
An ankle brace can be very helpful for the treatment of a sprained ankle injury. Braces and crutches can be used to help alleviate the pain.
Although found to be less effective than casts, compression bandages provide support and compression for sprained ankles. Wrapping is started at the ball of the foot and slowly continued up to the base of the calf muscle, pushing the swelling up toward the center of the body so that it does not gather in the foot. Bandages are kept tight, but not so tight as to cut off the circulation in the foot.[citation needed]
Immobilization
A short period of immobilization in a below-knee cast or in an Aircast leads to a faster recovery at 3 months compared to a tubular compression bandage.[2]
Prognosis
Most people improve significantly in the first two weeks. Some however still have problems with pain and instability after one year (5–30%). Reinjury is also common.[3]
Image gallery
 Right foot, housed in an air brace, has become swollen as a result of a more severe 2nd degree sprain to the ankle. |
References
- ^ Moreira V, Antunes F (2008). "[Ankle sprains: from diagnosis to management. the physiatric view]" (in Portuguese). Acta Med Port 21 (3): 285–92. PMID 18674420.
- ^ Lamb SE, Marsh JL, Hutton JL, Nakash R, Cooke MW (February 2009). "Mechanical supports for acute, severe ankle sprain: a pragmatic, multicentre, randomised controlled trial". Lancet 373 (9663): 575–81. doi:. PMID 19217992.
- ^ Margo KL (December 2008). "Review: many adults still have pain and subjective instability at 1 year after acute lateral ankle sprain". Evid Based Med 13 (6): 187. doi:. PMID 19043045.
External links
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